Indium Scan

An indium scan (white blood cells scan) is typically used to discover if you have an infection.

Procedure

When you arrive for your appointment, some of your blood will be withdrawn from a vein in your arm. The blood will be "labeled" with a small amount of radioactive material. This process may take three to four hours. Once your blood is labeled, it will be injected back into a vein in your arm. You will be asked to return the next day when painless images will be taken for 60 to 90 minutes. The images will show where the labeled white blood cells have accumulated in your body, which could show where you have an infection. You may be asked to return again the following day for additional images. If this is the case, do not be alarmed. This is a routine part of the scan.

Preparation

You may eat and drink as usual.

You may continue to take your medications as directed by your doctor

If you have an x-ray, CT scan or MRI films or reports from tests not performed at Beaumont, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Remember to bring the written order (prescription), for this test, given to you by your doctor.

Precautions

Patients of childbearing age should review the pregnancy and breastfeeding guidelines.